Buy things in RS store

I'm glad you posted this. I've seen people rave about Flat Packs, but I've been skeptical. Check out some of the threads in the Packing section of this website. I didn't realize RS had one in his store, however. I would like to know more about how they work. I like the questions you're asking.

It is just a large compression bag. Personally I don't think it is all that useful. We get the same results using large zip lock bags, The gal and the 2.5 gal freezer bag work very well for clothing like underwear, t-shirts, socks, etc. For shirts and pants we use the folding envelope (one per bag) that compresses equally well but min wrinkles. And easy to get one item out without messing up the whole pile.

Hi Ann,
I have used a Flat Pack on my trip to London. I decided at the last minute to take a light weight jacket with me. I folded the jacket the best I could so I wouldn't get more wrinkles than normal. Took a couple of tries getting the air out of the bag. Seal the bag 3/4 of the way, then start rolling the bottom up to the top and finish sealing the bag. I placed the sealed bag on top of my clothes and off to the airport. I was happy that I brought that jacket, was a little chilly down by the Tower. Cathy

I typically use the biggest RS size for every trip. I put my folded rain coat and also a fleece into it. After I do that, I zip it shut and roll from the zipped end down. Air is expelled through the vents in the bottom of the bag. The compression bag gets rid of virtually all of the air. By using the bag, my outerwear fits into an outside pocket of my suitcase and slides easily in and out. I have tried zip lock bags and, on extremely rare occasions, will use them for something, but they do not remove as much air or as easily as the compression bag(s) sold by RS (IMHO.)

I have a similar compression bag I use the way Ray does. I think it works best for something bulky like a fleece vest or jacket or a pillow. I didn't take it last year and just tried to use a ziplock bag to keep my travel pillow compressed and I could never get it to stay compressed. It does help to get things in to/out of the large pocket on the front of the RS bags.

Since you have the store credit I would get the 3 pack and then experiment with them. If you don't like them you are really not out any actual $$.

I have not used the flat packs, primarily since I'm not usually carrying a pillow or fluffy jacket, which I agree are the best use of these. I do have a feeling that they will wrinkle delicate clothes more than just carefully rolling. My dirty clothes go into any old plastic bag.

Down puffy jacket placed in large zip-loc bag, 90% sealed; sat on bag to squeeze out air and, while air was out, zipped the seal closed. Flattened bag was immediately placed on top of the suitcase contents and suitcase was zipped. Bag stayed compressed well enough during transit , although the ones with one-way valves may be easier to use. You can also see compression bags at Bed, Bath & Beyond and similar stores.

I always pack multiple sizes of zip-loc bags for packing, compressing, carrying damp items, and a myriad of other uses -- they're like duct tape or safety pins.
And don't forget -- compressed clothes may take less space, but they WEIGH the same as they did before.

Down puffy jacket placed in large zip-loc bag, 90% sealed; sat on bag
to squeeze out air and, while air was out, zipped the seal closed.
Flattened bag was immediately placed on top of the suitcase contents
and suitcase was zipped. Bag stayed compressed well enough during
transit , although the ones with one-way valves may be easier to use.
You can also see compression bags at Bed, Bath & Beyond and similar
stores.

Laura B, have you been packing my bags? Exactly what I did with my down jacket when we went to Budapest in late January. Worked like a charm (again). Only I put it in my RS convertible back pack. Love that bag.

Do remember that while you can get more in your bag volume wise with these types of products.. you are still adding weight.. weight you will lift and carry at least a few times I guarantee you ( stairs , ramps etc )
I think they are best for use for jackets or sweaters. not to pack more stuff into a bag.

Or bulky down jackets that while thick, have very little weight.

We usually use zip-loc type baggies, and they work reasonably well. I would second the warning about weight; the first time I used these bags I got carried away with how much would fit into my backpack, and ended up with a too heavy bag. Also, we've learned to buy the heavy duty (freezer quality) bags; the thinner ones won't last more than one or two night's worth of packing and unpacking.

If you're going to use the ziploc bag method for shirts, an idea I sometimes use is to get some of the cardboards dry cleaners use when folding shirts and fold your shirts around them before putting it in the ziploc bag. It helps to reduce wrinkling. (Keep the cardboards in the shirts and reuse. They weigh practically nothing.)

I want to thank every one who posted a response to my question. All very helpful and I appreciate it. I am going to use the credit of $100.00 so if the flat pack does not work for me, I won't really be out of money as someone pointed out. Again, thanks for all the input.